• Amid geopolitical turmoil, Europeans are taking nuanced and realistic positions that demand tough choices from their leaders.
• A major new ECFR poll shows Europeans embrace self-reliance and are clear-eyed about Donald Trump—but do not expect a permanent break from the US.
• They back Ukraine—but are anxious about bringing it into the European Union now or sending troops there.
• They know they face an energy crisis—but remain solidly opposed to Russian fossil-fuel imports.
• Leaders therefore have the public’s backing to pursue strategic autonomy without posturing, to seek out new mechanisms for supporting Ukraine, and to push ahead on energy sovereignty.